Joseph R. Burns

Joseph R. "Moe" Burns, Sr., 82, of Coaldale, PA passed away peacefully on June 25, 2025 at St. Luke's Hospital - Miners Campus, Coaldale.

Born September 27, 1942 in Coaldale, he was the son of the late Earl and Cecilia (Bugarewicz) Burns.

“Moe” was a graduate of Coaldale High School class of 1961 where he excelled in football as a 4-year varsity letter winner. He also played baseball and basketball. After graduation, he relocated to work for Johns-Manville, in Manville, NJ. “Moe” then started his career with Ernest Renda Construction Company as a heavy equipment operator. He went on to own his own excavation and pipeline businesses for many years, including JR Burns and Sons, Burns General Contractors, and BurVan General Contractors. He also served as a volunteer firefighter and Fire Marshall for Manville Fire Company #2. In later years, he assisted his son, Joseph with his paving and excavating business. He also owned the Halupki House and ran the Greenwood Inn, both in Coaldale. In addition, he was a competitive dart player who won multiple American Dart League championships.

Some of his hobbies included enjoying all varieties of stock car racing, watching football, having his morning coffee, watching old sitcoms, and discussing current events with his friends at Surma's Garage.

Surviving are his children: Joseph R. Burns, Jr. and his wife, Jeanne of Stroudsburg, PA; Robert Burns of Hillsborough, NJ; and Charlene Burns, also of Hillsborough. Grandchildren: Joseph Burns and his wife, Rebecca of Dover, PA; and Daniel Burns of Stroudsburg; Great-granddaughter: Riley Burns of Dover, PA.

In addition, he is survived by his sister, Ann Marie Stoffey and her husband, George of Coaldale; Nieces: Georgianne Unger and her husband, Barry, and their daughter, Riley Unger, all of Topton, PA; and Yvonne "Vonnie" Stoffey of Coaldale. He is also survived by many other nieces and a nephew.

Also, surviving are his late companion’s children: Mary Ann Flyzik, Rebecca Frank and Stephanie Young.

He was preceded in death by his companion, Catherine Pfeiffer in 2024.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. 655 East Broad Street Tamaqua Pennsylvania 18252. (570) 668-2550

Viewings will be held Monday, June 30, 2025 from 6:00pm-8:00pm, and Tuesday, July 1, 2025 from 10:00am-11:00am at the funeral home.

Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday morning July 1, 2025 at 11 o'clock A.M. from the funeral home.

Interment will be held at Sky View Memorial Park, Hometown, PA.

Online condolences or a fond memory of Moe can be expressed by visiting www.griffithsfuneralhomes.com